The Des Moines Downtown Chamber of Commerce has announced a new chapter. Effective immediately, it will operate under a new name – the Des Moines Chamber of Commerce.

The strategic rebrand reflects the chamber’s mission to expand its reach, enhance its services and continue championing the interests of small businesses citywide, according to a press release.

“It opens the doors for more opportunities for the members, and also, the support that we already have for the city. It just makes it a little stronger,” said Jimmy Olsen, Des Moines Chamber of Commerce executive director.

He said many people were already referring to the entity as the Des Moines Chamber.

“I would always have to correct people,” he said.

The change, he said, “I guess you could call it bold or a little different.”

The rebrand comes at a pivotal time for local businesses, as the city evolves and economic conditions shift, the chamber said.

In terms of economics, “I mean, we’re all running into that,” Olsen said. “I know nonprofits right now are having issues when it comes to sponsorships and things like that. It’s just the hiccups that we’re running into in 2025 right now, and I think this just gives us something stronger for our future, for sustainability.”

Olsen said other chambers in Des Moines will continue to operate; he’s not hoping to consolidate into one entity.

“With the Des Moines West Side and FuseDSM, we have been collaborating with them a lot lately,” he said. “So we’re hoping it brings everyone together again to be stronger for the city and be stronger for our members, still working on those collaborations together, working together as we press forward.”

In September, the Des Moines Chamber is collaborating with the Des Moines West Side Chamber to host a golf outing, he said.

The hope is for the change “to open those doors and bring everyone together and give everyone more opportunities for their members, and for our members to expand their networking capabilities [across] more of the Des Moines footprint,” he said.

Existing memberships with the Des Moines Downtown Chamber remain valid through their current renewal cycles, chamber officials said. Members can expect continued access to programming, with new and expanded opportunities to come. The Des Moines Chamber of Commerce will also maintain its affiliate status with the Greater Des Moines Partnership.